Kolby Wanchuk teamed up with Yule Rodeo’s Suspicious Minds for a 93-point ride to win the third annual Zeke Thurston Saddle Bronc Challenge on Wednesday night.
The victory further cemented Wanchuk’s position as the dominant rider on the bronc circuit this season.
With the win in Stettler, Wanchuk has now accumulated $36,383 across six Pro Rodeo Canada events in 2026.
The hot streak serves as a strong rebound from a bittersweet end to his 2025 campaign.
After a rollercoaster season that saw him battle for the Canadian title at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Wanchuk came up just short of qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas last October.
Event host and three time world champion Zeke Thurston won the inaugural challenge in 2024 with a 92-point ride, while Texas cowboy Wyatt Casper claimed the 2025 title with a 93.5-point ride.
While both previous champions posted their winning scores aboard the bucking horse F13 Virgil, Wanchuk became the first champion to take top honors on different stock, pairing with Suspicious Minds to seal the victory.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
